The road to the state tournament in Des Moines begins tonight at Washington High School for the Demon girls’ basketball team (10-10 overall). Washington opens Class 4A Region 5 postseason play at home, entertaining the Oskaloosa Indians (3-18). This is a rematch of a regular season meeting last month, where the Demons edged the Indians, 53-50.

The Demon girls’ basketball team achieved one of their preseason goals Friday in Mount Pleasant by defeating the Panthers 61-55 in overtime. It was the 10th victory this season for Washington, a four win improvement from last season. Senior guard Amber Salow ended her regular season with 19 points, converting nine of her 10 free throw attempts. All the scoring by the Demons Friday night came from their starting five of Sarah Nacos (20), Salow (19), Addie Pacha (9), Brynna DeLong (9), and Mckayla Miller (2).

The Indians enter tonight’s postseason opener with one of the best all-around basketball players in Class 4A. Junior Alexis Westercamp has poured in 319 points this season, the ninth highest total in the state. She’s also grabbed 183 rebounds, tied for the seventh most in Class 4A with Independence senior Tristin Ludwig.

The winner of tonight’s regional quarterfinal will advance to face the Fairfield Trojans (15-6 overall) in Saturday’s semifinal round. The Demons lost a pair of games to the Trojans this season by an average of 17 points. KCII Sports will have live play-by-play coverage from Washington High School beginning with the Washington Hy-Vee Pregame Show at 7 p.m. on AM 1380, FM 102.5 and KCIIRadio.com.